CO.15

Portrait of Mrs Mary Palmer (1715-1797)

Joshua Reynolds, Sir, PRA (Artist)

General Description: A portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds' sister who married John Palmer of Torrington. They had two daughters, Mary and Theophila (Offy), of whom Reynolds was extremely fond. From around 1770 onwards Reynolds had one or both nieces living with him in London. They kept house for him as well as modelling for him. This painting was bequeathed to the Cottonian Collection by George Stawell, a descendant of Mrs Palmer. (, )

oil, support: canvas

Named Collection: Cottonian Collection